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Kong

gameactive44 mentionsFirst seen Jan 13, 2025Last seen Mar 18, 2026

Profile

Kong is a Stern Pinball game designed by Keith Elwin, officially titled 'King Kong Myth of Terror Island.' The Premium and Limited Edition models were first publicly revealed at Pinball at the Zoo in April 2025. The game has received mixed reception regarding art quality consistency across variants and accessory design choices, with the LE criticized for insufficient differentiation from the Premium version. Kong appears to be a moderately successful recent release that has become a reference point in the pinball community for design comparisons and tournament play.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedKeith ElwinKeith Elwin designed Kongmedium
  • manufacturesStern Pinball Inc.Stern Pinball manufactures Kongmedium
  • appears_inPinball at the ZooKong had its first public appearance at Pinball at the Zoo in April 2025medium

Facts

  • achievementRecent Stern Pinball release with substantive teaser trailermediumfrom 2025
  • achievementFirst public appearance at Pinball at the Zoohighfrom 2025-04-17
  • attributeAvailable in Premium modelhighfrom 2025
  • attributeAvailable in Limited Edition modelhighfrom 2025
  • attributeStern Pinball game titled King Kong Myth of Terror Islandhighfrom 2025
  • attributeLE model criticized as lacking differentiation from Premium modelmediumfrom 2025-08-31

Claims (8)

  • opinionmedium

    Kong pinball game met expectations but failed to generate excitement or surprise players

    Source: Don DanieleDon's Pinball Podcast Sunday Livestream 9/7/25
  • factualhigh

    Kong uses Spike 2 platform, not Spike 3

    Source: Joe (stream chat, identified as unofficial manager)KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • factualmedium

    Kong's spider mechanism lacks failsafe if it breaks during play, unlike Jurassic Park's T-Rex design

    Source: DirtypoolKONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • factualhigh

    Kong code is still incomplete; NYC mode implementation ongoing at stream date

Recent Mentions (44)

  • Referenced as gameplay comparison; Don asks if one of Yukon Yeti's shots will feel like Kong's punch-back target shot mechanic

    DPP #233 "Yukon Gold Rush!!"Mar 18, 2026
  • Pinball machine featuring two-ball multiball mechanic

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep28 - Jason Zahler - The World's Best Pinball PlayerMar 17, 2026
  • Recent Stern pinball machine noted for wild/difficult layout

    Let's Learn Venom Premium (Stern 2023)Mar 11, 2026
  • Recent Stern release, considered good but unsurprising, reference for Star Wars expectations

    Don's Pinball Podcast Sunday Livestream 9/7/25Sep 8, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's upcoming game (King Kong rumored); reveal event April 17th in Chicago

    In Before the Lock Episode 25 - Tariffs, Harry Potter, TPF Reactions and moreApr 8, 2025
  • Stern game; Neil McRae brought Premium version to Pinfest; received code updates

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 28Sep 1, 2025

Contradictions

  • Existing: Kong is a recent Stern Pinball release by Keith Elwin (first revealed April 2025)vsConflicting: Mention 7 references a previous Stern media day event for Kong, suggesting it had already been showcased before the April 2025 revelation date
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Kong is a Stern Pinball game designed by Keith ElwinvsConflicting: Mention 2 describes 'Spike III' as a Stern title with designer Keith Elwin and $13,600 LE price point, which may refer to Kong or may be a different game entirely
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

  • attributeSubject of inconsistent art across variantsmediumfrom 2025-09-15
  • attributeFeatures topper accessorymediumfrom 2025
  • roleDesigned by Keith Elwinhighfrom 2025
  • Source: Joshua Henderson (developer)
    KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • opinionhigh

    Kong has superior gameplay flow and pacing compared to recent Stern releases

    Source: DirtypoolKONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • factualhigh

    Kong will have first public appearance at Pinball at the Zoo event

    Source: Jack Danger (stream host)KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • factualhigh

    Kong's color scheme and center artwork are derived from unreleased Data East 1990 King Kong game

    Source: Joe (stream chat)KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/Dirtypool
  • factualmedium

    Kong contains voice callouts and mechanics not found in other pinball machines

    Source: Stern staff member (off-camera)In the studio with Brian "Q" Quinn
  • Stern release designed by Keith Elwin; slower location rollout than recent Stern releases; accessible game framework mentioned

    Episode 11 - Johnny Crap / Ian Goes to Portland (Oregon) / We played DuneMay 26, 2025
  • Stern's King Kong pinball machine; described as strong release with 11+ units on show floor; Pro/Premium/LE tiers discussed

    Episode 75 Part 2_Golden State Pinball Festival Recap (1)May 20, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's King Kong: Myth of Terror Island released in 2025, featuring prominent upper playfield mini-game area and drop target mechanics

    DPP #191 "Don't tease me bro!"May 25, 2025
  • Recent pinball release with substantial rule depth and mode complexity; praised for code quality

    Episode 34: Harry Potter Drama Explodes on Pinside – Oh, and Predator Pinball Is Here Too!Jun 21, 2025
  • Referenced as comparison point for Pro game quality; streamer notes superior metal construction and smoother Pro experience; capture device borrowed from Kong for Star Wars setup

    Star Wars: FotE by Stern Pinball. Unboxing Uncut. Streamed from Raccoon City Pinball.Oct 8, 2025
  • Stern Pinball, Keith Elwin design; 'all but confirmed' for summer 2025; no visual teases yet; Don pre-ordered premium and started MOD work.

    TPF day 2 Wrap-upMar 23, 2025
  • Stern Pinball's upcoming game; expected to launch within 5-7 days of this podcast recording

    Breaking Update! Barrels media day announced!Apr 4, 2025
  • Stern Pinball (Donkey Kong); Don ordering Premium Edition for custom build at arcade bar; will be customized and delivered to 1UP Lounge

    Episode #187 Bonus show!Apr 24, 2025
  • Pinball machine cited as positive example of shipping with fully functioning code

    How to not be a Pinball D*ckhead in 2025: Week 1, pinball schmos + ManufacturersJun 18, 2025
  • Pinball game referenced in context of solo high-score chasing and Grand Champion (GC) gameplay

    Rick’s Pinball ResolutionsJan 21, 2026
  • Recent premium pinball game (King Kong) identified by host as one of four 'stellar' recent games; Neil McRae owns Kong LA model

    24 Hours After the Reveal: Should I Get a Harry Potter Pinball Machine? FOMO is Strong HereJun 6, 2025
  • Pinball machine in Gonzo's collection; has biplane ramp similar to Tron; candidate for streaming with daughter

    Tron Livestream - Testing The RigFeb 23, 2026
  • Discussed as layout with 'bonkers' but effective shooter design; receiving ongoing code updates; tournament players were playing Elwin games including Kong at Expo

    🔴LIVE - DUNE Pinball by Barrels Of Fun Stream! ITS BACK!!!Oct 30, 2025
  • Stern Pinball title; media day/hands-on coming; Don planning to see at Stern Thursday after Barrels embargo lifts

    DPP #185 "JJP taking Pot-shots!"Apr 10, 2025
  • Stern's unlicensed original IP pinball game; unlicensed to avoid licensing difficulties; excellent playfield design by Keith (Elwin); early-stage code with early game modes still in development

    The Great British Pinball Podcas Episode 25 - Is pinball in a panic?Jun 21, 2025
  • Anticipated Keith Elwin-designed Stern game; expected price increase; speakers considering waiting for this vs. D&D

    We Are Pinball #21 "Top 3 Pinball!"Jan 13, 2025
  • Stern Pinball 2025 release; praised for shooting mechanics and playfield design but limited appeal due to theme; subject of quality control issues (arm falling off)

    Stern’s Next Star Wars Pinball | Fall of the Empire Only for USA?Aug 28, 2025
  • Pinball machine mentioned casually in discussion

    Kaneda Late NightApr 24, 2025
  • Stern Pinball machine being demonstrated; theme involves King Kong; features custom voice callouts and axe mechanics

    In the studio with Brian "Q" QuinnApr 16, 2025
  • Stern Pinball release that experienced sales disruption following Jack Danger's Harry Potter announcement at TPF

    We Are Pinball #38 "Ralph joins the Potter-nation!"Jun 15, 2025
  • Game Kyle managed to play at Expo (~15 feet from his booth); represents minimal personal play time during event

    Big Trouble in Little China Pinball with Homebrewer Kyle Smet | Ep 177Nov 15, 2025
  • Pinball machine with a topper produced by The Electric Playground

    I Can't Believe How Good This Star Wars Pinball Looks Now!Jan 10, 2026
  • Referenced as competitor game; Dan's strong play threatens to overtake Kong in standings

    Concord Champ '25: Quarters, Game 1/4 on The Walking Dead by Stern. Streamed from The Flipper Room.Nov 18, 2025
  • Game referenced as having similar player behavior from previous tournament rounds

    Concord Champ '25: Semis, Game 3/4 on The Shadow by Bally. Streamed from The Flipper Room.Nov 18, 2025
  • Modern game now at the club mentioned alongside Evil Dead and other machines

    Evil Dead Pinball Machine Review | First Impressions & Gameplay at Pinfest 2025Aug 30, 2025
  • Referenced in comparison of skill shot clarity and design execution

    NEW Star Wars Fall of the Empire #pinball COMMENTARY with yours truly!!Oct 30, 2025
  • Implied to be in Hardy's current home collection; subject of potential replacement by Dune or Harry Potter

    I Toured 3 Pinball Factories in Texas!Sep 10, 2025
  • Stern title with topper accessory that collectors skipped; part of pattern of expensive accessory releases

    X-Men Accessories Bring More Disappointment than ExcitementDec 3, 2025
  • Source of three-bank drop target design element adopted in Winchester; street-level playfield trend reference

    DPP #210 "Winchester Mystery Game!"Oct 14, 2025
  • Recent Stern Pinball release with substantive teaser trailer compared to Star Wars

    Episode 40: Star Wars Teaser Trailer Disappointment - It's my cousins fault!!Aug 28, 2025
  • Previous Stern media day event attended by hosts; subject to 144% tariff; had Insider Connected disabled at media day

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 81 - Star Wars media day is HERE!Sep 14, 2025
  • Stern game referenced in art quality discussions; hosts note inconsistent art across variants; mentioned as comparison point for playfield complexity

    We Are Pinball #44 "New game reviews!"Sep 15, 2025
  • King Kong Myth of Terror Island; newly revealed Stern game with Premium model shown; designed by Keith Elwin; first public appearance at Pinball at the Zoo

    KONG - Gameplay and Live Reactions w/DirtypoolApr 17, 2025
  • Stern Pinball game; LE criticized as lacking differentiation from Premium model

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Take 2Aug 31, 2025
  • Recent Stern release with improved media day structure compared to D&D. Subject of Colin's hands-on experience and content creation.

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep01 – Kineticist on the State of Pinball NewsMay 6, 2025
  • Upcoming game mentioned as potential catalyst for secondary market movement as collectors trade away older machines

    Kaneda Pinball SMSApr 5, 2025
  • Spike III title by Stern; expected $600 price increase ($13,600 LE); Keith Elwin designer connection; theme strength debated

    SMS - March 15Mar 16, 2025
  • Pinball game owned by reviewer, ranked below Godzilla in enjoyment.

    HOLY MACKEREL, THAT WAS FUN!!!Feb 12, 2026